“I do think that's a big, big difference in a game — scoring earlier. The sooner we find a way to unlock these teams the better it will be for our season.

“Even from the beginning of the season through to now, the games have changed completely. But we need to find a way to deal with it. I wouldn’t say it's something to complain about, because it just gives you that knowledge that you are going to be on top of the team you're playing.

“It's something we have to learn to deal with.

“You see how the game went against Huddersfield. It was an own-goal from a set-piece that gave them the lead and again [on Wednesday] set-pieces were a problem — Southampton had a lot of big bodies in there.

The England winger also got the only goal against Feyenoord in the 88th minute... (Image: AFP)

...and netted with five minutes left when it was 1-1 at Huddersfield (Image: Reuters)

“At some stages, it's just a matter of size and power and we shouldn’t get it into games where set plays decide the game.”

Although Kompany admitted he would like to see City put games to bed much earlier, he admitted scoring so late to win can only be dispiriting for United and the chasing pack.

“I've been in that position myself,” said Kompany. “United used to do it to everybody else, to be honest. But it’s a long season.

“We've done it so far and if at the end of the season we've done it consistently, then I'll be happy about it. But the key thing for us is not necessarily what the other teams think, but just to know that you can trust your team, your players.

Kompany wants City a goal or two ahead by the time games enter their final few minutes (Image: Action Images via Reuters)

“We always try to play our game, we always try to dominate the game and create problems but there were a lot of bodies behind the ball and it was a difficult night.

“To finish it in that fashion? Well, you thought Huddersfield was good, but this one will give us an even better feeling.

“But it’s too early in the season to talk about titles. It's just good to know that you can have that feeling that at any time of the game you can make something happen. I felt it could still happen, even that late in added time.”

For the third game running, after late winners against Feyenoord and Huddersfield, Sterling was City's hero, taking his goal tally to a best-ever 13 for the campaign.

Kompany said he had sensed a change in the 22-year-old England winger this season and paid tribute to the work Sterling has put in behind the scenes, particularly on his finishing.

“I think it’s maybe an inner hunger, maybe that desire to be amongst the best,” said Kompany. “But you only achieve that through consistency, so he's done as well as he could so far this season.

“I can only encourage him to carry on on this path. I’ve seen the work he's put in behind the scenes and that's the way forward."